Mary Ellen Nesemeier

Mary Ellen Nesemeier, 94, Bismarck, ND, formerly of Fargo, ND, died peacefully in her home on Monday, January 18, 2016. A memorial service will be held in the spring at Casselton, ND. Mary Ellen Smith was born on May 9, 1921 in Ayr, Cass County, North Dakota to Frank and Nellie Smith. After graduation from high school, she moved to Fargo, ND and graduated from Interstate Business College. Mary worked at Lincoln Mutual in Fargo as a secretary and correspondent until October 11, 1941, when she married Lyle H. Nesemeier in Casselton, ND. Lyle was drafted into the Army during World War II and then went to basic training, eventually being sent to England where he served in the 8th Air Force near London. Post-war years were spent in Fargo and St. Paul, MN, where their daughters Terryl and Nancy were born. After Lyle died, Mary moved to Bismarck. She was residing at Edgewood Vista in Bismarck at the time of her death. The first thing one thinks about when Mary’s name is mentioned is the word “classy”. She always looked like a million bucks! She was a caring stay-at-home mother, going back to work when Terryl and Nancy were in high school and college. She worked for Blacks “Store Without a Name”, and Anderson State Fur in Fargo. Mary enjoyed many artistic endeavors, including refinishing antique picture frames and furniture, as well as pencil sketching. She was a very organized person who took pleasure in running an immaculate household. In later years, after Lyle died, she remained current and active in managing her finances. She was involved in civic organizations, such as Kiwanis and Bismarck Art & Galleries Association. Mary enjoyed conversations ranging from the weather to any political or social issue imaginable. She loved to stay up to date on current events, right up until she passed away. She was sharp as a tack! Our family knew that the most significant JOY in life was being able to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her friends. Never afraid to try new things, Mary used a cell phone and an iPad. She enjoyed being able to communicate using FaceBook, FaceTime, texting, and email. In her own words: I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles. A time to remember laughing times, happy times, and bright and sunny days. Mary is survived by her two daughters, Terryl, (Ed) Lockwood, Bismarck, ND, and Nancy (Keith) Laubham, Phoenix, AZ; 3 grandchildren, Anne (Lucas) Hoechst; Andrew (Karlee) Kristensen, both from Bismarck, ND, and Nick Laubham, Phoenix, AZ. She also leaves 5 great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Ethan, and Elise Hoechst, and Kwinn and Kane Kristensen. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lyle, and 7 brothers and sisters. Memorials will be designated for the Fargo Public Schools Foundation (earmarked for the Linda Lockwood Scholarship) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.